Expectations

~Tracy Frederick

It is the beginning of another semester and I am in my 26th year of teaching. I have learned that although students change, they always stay the same. Every semester…yep every semester…when I ask them to send me their “concerns” for the class- so I know their anxieties, they have- they never failed to tell me that my reputation as a “tough teacher” precedes me, or “I hear that this class is very hard.” And every semester I pause before I respond. My first thought is: Of course I am “hard,” this is education! Or “Yes, this class is hard, if it weren’t why take it?!” …sigh… but their expectations for classes are always the same- it should be easy and I shouldn’t have such high expectations of them.

So, when I started reading them again this semester, I began to think about my own spirituality…and others. I realized how often I have thought the same thing of my Father: I have become upset and frustrated when the Christian walk is “hard” or discouragement hits me and I fall to my knees, or when I would like for Him to just “overlook” a sin.

I always respond to my student’s concerns about the class with: “Yes, it will be hard, but you can do it. You will learn a lot and if you follow the detailed instructions- offered for every assignment- and ask for help. I will do all that I can to help you succeed. I will model all speeches for you to offer you a real-life example.” And this seems to make them feel better…until the semester gets a little tough and I have to remind them again that I am here to help, to encourage and to offer instructions on how to succeed.

Yep, it is difficult to admit that I am not much better than those young people that I teach. I don’t know if you are like I am, but this morning as I was reading through the concerns, my mind drifted to the great encouragement that my Savior provided for me, to remind me that if it will NEVER be “easy” …it WILL be hard….So I need to stop expecting it to be differnt; to stop expecting it to be easy and just read the detailed instructions, ask for help and look to my Master Teacher who provides all I need to succeed.

John 15: 18-19 If the world hates you, you know that it hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love his own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

Romans 5:3-5 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Philippians 4:12-13 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

James 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Romans 5:3-5 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Philippians 4:12-13 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

I John 2:6: Whoever says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed

Psalms 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death ,I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Psalms 34:17-18 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles.The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

Psalms 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all.

Closed Adoption

~ Erin Blair

For many of you who may not know, my husband and I are in the process of adopting a child.  We could not be more excited or anxious to bring this precious soul into our home.  But with the excitement comes a bit of nervousness as we complete our packet, fill out forms, go through a home study and meetings with the social worker, and deciding whether to have an open or closed adoption.  As we are getting “all our ducks lined up,” I can’t help but think about the spiritual similarities between our relationship with God and that of us bringing a child into our home.

Before we become Christians, we are part of the world.  As such, we are following Satan who is our “father.” (John 8:44)  Just like that little boy who clunks around in his daddy’s boots, we are following in Satan’s footsteps as we sin and do whatever pleases our flesh.  But God is a Father as well.  When we put away the old man of sin (Romans 6:6), we are adopted into a new Family – the church (Galatians 4:5). God then becomes our Father and we are to walk in His light (1 John 1:7).  But is this an “open” or “closed” adoption?

For those who may not know the difference, an “open adoption” is where the adoptive parents keep in touch with the birth mother/family via pictures, letters, phone calls, etc.  A “closed adoption” is where the adoptive parents “close off” all communication with the birth mother, not allowing phone calls, letters, or contact with the child. 

We are not to have an “open” adoption policy with God.  Once that old man of sin is crucified (Romans 6:6), we don’t need to raise him back up!

“For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them to not have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.  But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” – 2 Peter 2:20-22

My husband and I have two Labrador Retrievers and have seen what is illustrated in verse 22.  We have seen a dog throw up and then immediately eat it. Yuck! What an unpleasant vivid illustration! It should be just as disgusting to us to return to sin as it is to see a dog throw up, then eat it again.  This is what a spiritual open adoption is – we return to our previous “father” (Satan) and keep the lines of communication open and thus soil ourselves with sin yet again, just like that pig in the mud. 

When we become Christians, we should seal the adoption and make it “closed.” We should not desire to have that communication with Satan or want to go back to sin.  Once we have been adopted into God’s family, then God is our Father and no one else.  All lines of communication should be broken with the old man of sin and the old way of life. 

Just like that child we pray comes into our home, we as Christians are now welcomed into a healthy, loving home where our spiritual hunger is richly fed and we await that rest for our souls (Matthew 11:29).

Erin resides in Ben Wheeler Tx with her husband, Jordan. Erin has been involved with preparing and organizing the work of the church since she was a teenager by teaching all ages of Bibles classes, helping prepare and organize Ladies Days, Prom Alternatives, Youth Rallies and VBS.  She is currently works as a paralegal for a law firm. She and her husband also spend their time enjoying their garden, dogs, rabbits, chickens, ducks, quail…etc.  Life is never dull at her house. 

Just to sit at His feet…

~Tracy Frederick

He was just sitting there, on top of a mountain, and the crowds found him. They always seemed to find Him didn’t they? They needed Him. But, the magnificence of the scene is hard to imagine: “and large crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, crippled, blind, mute, and many others and they laid them at His feet; and He healed them”(Matt. 16:329-30). But, it what follows that is equally amazing to me: “And Jesus called His disciples to Him, and said, ‘I feel compassion for the people, because they have remained with Me now three days and have nothing to eat…’” (v. 32) Three days…they sat for three days with nothing to eat…not a thing. What does that really mean? It was a mountain right? So, it must have been rocky, I assume. It sounds miserable, really. I mean, seriously miserable, doesn’t it?… Except for the most important part, right? They sat at the feet of the Master for THREE DAYS!

So, I’ve been thinking a lot about those three days- the incredible hunger, the rocks, the bugs, again--the hunger…..but what gets me is no one complained. Do you see that? Nowhere in the text does one person complain about being hungry or uncomfortable. There are even children in the crowd, and no one complained about a tummy grumbling. In fact, you will see that it is Jesus who mentions that He was concerned about sending them away “for fear that they might faint on the way. “ No one seemed to be leaving…after sitting for three days. Didn’t they have jobs? Didn’t they have family trips waiting on them? Didn’t they have crops or animals to tend to? Didn’t they have responsibilities?...their kids in some kind of activity? Didn’t someone leave something in the oven????

I’ve been wondering: what would we give up to sit at the Master’s feet for three days? Three days listening to our Savior. I think we would quickly exclaim that we would give up ANYthing…our jobs, our homes, our personal relaxation plans, our family obligations just to sit at the feet of Jesus’ for three whole days.

The sad part is….we don’t. I mean, really, we don’t, do we? We have every opportunity to sit at our Master’s feet anytime, right? We weren’t like them, we don’t have to trek up to a mountain top and sit on hard rocks, endure bugs and hunger to listen to His teaching, do we? Nope…no need to go hungry, right? We can sit in the comfort of our favorite chair, snacking on our favorite snack and sipping a cool beverage while “sitting at His feet.” Yeah…we can…hummm…. So, the question for me is: would we have been in that crowd on the mountain? Would we have endured three days of hunger and rocks and bugs just to sit at the Master’s feet? .but, the problem is that I am afraid that we don’t…I mean there are so many opportunities to “sit at His feet” aren’t there? Yeah…. But do we? I mean, I wonder if we are just maybe a little too comfortable?... Maybe we need a mountain? Maybe we need bugs?……Maybe we need rocks?…..or maybe we just need to be hungry.

“Blessed are those that hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6.

All of Them???? Really? ALL of them???

~Tracy Frederick


They had waited a long time, over 40 years. It was hot, sandy and wearisome. They had watched their loved ones die along the journey and they were finally at their destination. I can only imagine the relief they felt when were told that they had finally arrived. But there was still one more catch...just one. In exchange for being taken out of slavery, suffering for generations, and given a the most beautiful place imaginable (Gen. 26: 2-5; 28: 13-15; Ex 3), there was just one catch: drive out and/or destroy all of the inhabitants (Num 33: 50-56; Deut 7: 1-3). I can imagine their reaction: What??? Seriously??? Do you really mean ALL??? Really??? Shouldn’t we be polite and let some of them stay??? God, you CAN’T mean ALL!


Now, this isn’t about the Israelites disobeying God, but this is about us; they made their choice, didn’t they? I think sometimes that it is easy to “destroy” some things. You know what I mean, right? Those sins that didn’t give up much of a fight (or really weren’t really a temptation). But, what about the things that we have let hang out...those tough ones.... like the Israelites did (Judges 1-3)...you know what I mean, those sins we don't want to give up because we will look “weird” to our friends if we didn’t do them? Make our family uncomfortable if we practice them? Cause us to miss our favorite fun activity? Look less "fashionable"? All of those things? So, perhaps maybe we are like the Israelites and hope that it isn’t such a big thing, really....I mean, maybe God would overlook it, right? …I mean, did He really mean ALL??? Ask the Israelites: “…you drive them out, and destroy them quickly, as the Lord has said to you” (Deut 9: 3). Yep, it is pretty clear, it ALL had to go.

I have always considered God’s command to “utterly destroy” or “drive out” nations of people as a bit harsh. That was a lot of bloodshed. So why all? The Israelites learned why pretty quickly when they did not destroy ALL...they became slaves again. But it is easy to blame the Israelites. They were rebellious. So, what about us? Does He expect us to destroy ALL??? Isn’t it asking too much to give up ALL? Not so much, nope, not really, especially when we consider He gave ALL first…ALL of it (Phil 2: 5-8; John 3:16). Do we really think giving up ALL it was easier for Him? Try reading Luke 22. So, why would we not be willing to destroy ALL for Him?

Is Blood Thicker than Water?

~ Nancy Goring
 
Most of us have heard this phrase, "Blood is thicker than water." The meaning indicates that while we may have strong feelings and loyalty to our friendships, our family ties will always be stronger. We share the same blood. I was thinking about this the other day, and thought about so many who had fallen away from the Lord. They began their Christian walk, repenting of sins, confessing Christ's name, and being immersed in that watery gravee of baptism, where they came in contact with Christ's cleansing blood (Revelation 1:5). Then the Lord added them to the church, the family of God (Acts 2:47). Jesus became their elder brother, and God, their Father. Somewhere along their way they became weak, and went back to their worldly acquaintances. Soon, they had removed themselves from God's family and were a part of the world once again. 

For us to be a part of a family, we have to be WITH family. We have to share the common life, bear one another's burdens, laugh with our family and be joyful, and cry with them during the sad times (Romans 12:15). Families love one another; they stick together. That keeps us strong. If we do not get involved with the family and develop those strong ties, we will drift backward, away from God. As a family we are to be knit/bound together in love (Colossians 2:2). Let's make sure we are joining our hearts and minds (and lives) together in Word, spirit, service and love, holding fast the family of God (Ephesians 4:16). Spend as much time as possible with your brothers and sisters in Christ. It is a privilege, a blessing, and an encouragement to be able to do so!

 Nancy is the wife of Bill Goring, who serves as a gospel preacher and elder for the Chipman Road church of Christ in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. She has 4 children, 11 grandchildren and has taught Bible class for over 40 years, speaks at Ladies Day gatherings and has published several books including: Behavior Becoming Holiness: Studies in Titus Chapter 2 and Overcoming our Self-Imposed Prisons.

Women—As God Would Have Us (part 2)

~ Veronica Brown

 In this follow up article let’s continue our focus on three remaining groups of women from the book of Genesis.  Following the daughters-in-law of Noah and their example of being willing to be counted among the few we turn our minds to Sarah. Sarah is recorded by the Hebrews writer as one who judged God faithful in regard to His promises (Heb. 11:11). She trusted that God would fulfill what He had spoken to her with regard to a homeland and a heritage. Did she obey perfectly what God expected of her? No. She became impatient. She laughed. She faced doubt, discouragement, and difficulties. Yet she trusted. She waited. She complied. So, in like manner, God judged her faithful and He counted her among those great heroes of faith in Hebrews 11. What hope, encouragement, and strength we can gain from her very real example of faith in God and His promises.

Next, let’s look at Hagar the bondwoman. On the surface we tend to read about Hagar in light of Sarah’s attempt to facilitate God’s plan and the undesired results that followed. While we learn that any attempt to commandeer God’s will is futile, God reveals the true spiritual meaning of the bondwoman vs. the free woman. In Galatians 4 we learn that these two women and their two sons are symbolic (v. 24). They represent the two covenants (v. 25). The Old is represented by Hagar and Ishmael. The New is represented by Sarah and Isaac. Under the Old there is bondage—the bondwoman’s son was born according to the flesh and was therefore subject to the same bondage as his mother. But under the New there is freedom because the freewoman’s son was born according to promise (v. 23). “Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise” (Gal. 4:28). True freedom from the bondage of sin can only be found in the New Covenant system and in the promised Son. Therefore, Paul exhorts us to “stand fast in the liberty by which Christ has made us free” (Gal. 5:1). To return or adhere to Old Testament tenants is to return to bondage.  May we ever be mindful of the price that was paid for our true spiritual freedom.

 Finally, let’s notice the women in Lot’s life—his wife and their two daughters. While a casual read of their accounts in Genesis may raise more questions than answers it remains that what we can glean from their record is clear—sin always reaps adverse consequences. Living in such sinful cities as Sodom and Gomorrah undoubtedly left its fateful impression on Lot’s family. It clouded their minds and their eyes. Lot’s wife apparently couldn’t completely turn her back to such wickedness and she paid the ultimate price. Their daughters, likewise, followed suit with misguided judgment and sacrificed their purity. May we ever remember that sin always reaps gross by-products and is never an island unto itself.

From the dawn of creation to this present hour womankind has been and continues to be a most vital component to either the good or ill of humanity. Of course, God desires us to use our influence for good. Just as He expected from Eve, He expects the same from us. May we aspire to use our efforts and energies for good—to love our husbands, care for our children, and do good to all, especially those of the household of faith.  May God help us to be women, as HE would have us, and in so doing, not grow weary (Gal. 6:9)!

because of YOU!!

“These are the words that Moses spoke to all Israel beyond the Jordan in the wilderness...”.and that’s how the book of Deuteronomy begins. Moses spends a lot of time reminding them about how many times they rejected the Lord -- exposing their grumblings, pettiness, selfishness and disbelief—and reminding them of each time God helped them. It is painful to read, but, they needed to hear it. It was the end of their journey, they were about to enter the land that the Lord had promised them and actually GAVE them. They had traveled a long way, lost all of their loved ones in the process and Moses, their leader, was about to die. It was time for him to go and them to journey on without him.

I have always been in awe of the relationship Moses had with God. ..God talked to Moses as if to a friend. I can’t imagine it. So, the words that Moses spoke toward the end of the third chapter is kinda...well...odd to me.. especially because Moses knew God...really well.

 “Then I pleaded with the Lord at that time, saying: ‘O Lord God, You have begun to show Your servant Your greatness and Your mighty hand, for what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do anything like Your works and Your mighty deeds? I pray, let me cross over and see the good land beyond the Jordan, those pleasant mountains, and Lebanon.’ “But the Lord was angry with me because of you and would not listen to me. So the Lord said to me: ‘Enough of that! Speak no more to Me of this matter.”  Deut 3:23-26.

That phrase: “because of you” is really strange to me. I get that Moses had suffered with them, for them and had walked each step of the way in the dessert wondering...camping....waiting...wondering. Moses knew they had him to thank for their lives; He had saved them from the wrath of God...a couple of times. But, it is strange to me that Moses, of all people, blames the people of Israel for his sin. What is most odd about this to me is that God had already passed judgment on this issue (see Numbers 20:12). God was very clear as to why Moses was barred from entering the land- He didn’t trust God and didn’t honor God’s command. Basically, he disobeyed and let his ego get in the way.

But, isn’t it interesting in the passage above that Moses tries to flatter God- reminding Him of His mighty power- and asks Him to change His mind. I couldn’t help but recall all of the conversations that Moses and God had before this in which the Lord gave His word; gave His command and all of the times that the Lord stood by it, never wavering. That’s not a shocker. What, I am really stunned by is that Moses new that and still asked...that Moses knew God and tried blamed someone else for his sin... telling God that it was THEIR fault...THEY had made him do it....It was because THEY would not listen to him that he HAD to strike the rock....right?...yeah...wrong. Moses was a great man; a man of God, but the reason he wasn’t allowed into the land that the Lord had promised was his own fault....no one else’s...and no one else is to blame. It is a lonely idea, isn’t it? ---All alone in one’s sin? 

 These are a few small verses tucked away in a long book, but the application to us is obvious isn’t it? Can someone else MAKE us sin no matter how frustrating, ungrateful, grumbling and complaining they are? Will God accept us blaming someone else for our actions?....He didn’t accept it from Moses, the one He trusted to lead His chosen people- in fact, He told him to stop it!.... and I know He isn’t going to accept my excuse either- I too must stand all alone and accept it..... no matter how many excuses I want to offer....I must accept that isn’t because of YOU!
~Tracy Frederick

Self-Esteem

~Erin Blair

It is an issue that plagues millions of people today.  Many struggle with their self-esteem, or lack thereof.  I have only heard one sermon in my entire life on this subject.  What does the Bible and God say in regards to our self-esteem and self worth?

First let’s look at ourselves. The appraisal we make of ourselves can be grossly inflated (Rom. 12:3; Prov. 16:18) or deflated.  I once knew a man who was a member at the congregation where my husband and I were married.  He was so humble – to a fault.  He knew he needed to be humble and that is all good and great, but he took it to the point of stating, “I am just a waste of human flesh.”  His self-esteem was so low!  My husband turned to him and said, “You were made in the image of God!”  How true that is! When we have such a low view of ourselves, when we think we are worthless or no-good or can’t do anything right and even (shall I daresay) call ourselves “stupid,” are we not degrading and insulting a person made in the image and likeness of God? 

 We are made in the image and likeness of God which give us tremendous value (Gen. 1:26-27; 9:6)!  This, of course, does not mean that we are physically like God, for God is a spiritual being (John 4:24).  But the “image” spoke of here consists of spiritual qualities in man’s mental and moral attributes as a self-conscious, rational, personal agent, capable of self-determination and obedience to moral law.  We should always consider this unique honor that is the Creator has given us by granting us certain qualities that are central to His nature.   

 God’s view of us, of course, is accurate in every detail and He does not care if we wear the latest fashion or if we are over or under weight.  “But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) 

 Another reason for us to have high self-esteem is that God gave us a gift that is far more precious than anything that has been or ever will be given us – His Son.  This gives us a chance at redemption, a chance at spending eternity with our Creator.   Our soul that God gave us is precious (Luke 15).  The parables in Luke 15 (The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin, The Lost Boy) all show us and emphasize that we have great value and worth in the eyes of God.  These parables point out time and time again that the worth of a single soul – our soul- is of far more value than anything in the world (Matt. 16:26). 

 
There are two things that determine value in life: (1) the past owner of the item; and (2) what someone is willing to pay for the item.  God has owned us because He created us, and Jesus paid a hefty price for us at the cross (John 10:11).  What greater boost to our self-esteem than that! We are indeed precious.  Peter describes Christians in 1 Peter 2:9-10 as a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people and a forgiven people.  This gives us great value indeed! 

HAPPY NEW YEAR! ...Time for Another Round of Resolutions....

~Tracy Frederick

Wohooo!!!!!
 It is a time of renewed hope for a better year and a better “me.” We will start our diets, set our sights on being a better friend, wife, mother....etc.  We will resolve to be a little kinder, a little more helpful; to take care of ourselves and put our priorities in the right place. It seems to me that everyone is a little peppier today, a little happier; that everyone smiles a little more. It is a new day full of hope. We get to start again. (well....sort of... you know...)

I am reading through the Old Testament again (I have grown to love the Old Testament dearly. It is my addiction.). But, no matter how often I read it, I never fail to be awed at the patience of our God. Over and over again ( Joshua 24,  I Kings 18, Micah 4, II Kings 22, etc.) the people 'resolve" to turn from their evil ways and serve their Lord.  And over, and over, and over again they don’t. But, He knew they wouldn’t, right? But, I am always amazed at God’s hope. He never, ever gave up on us...never changed His mind...never thought it was too hard...never...ever.

I couldn’t help but think of all of the resolutions we will make today and in the coming weeks....and all of those that we will abandon. Perhaps we will resolve to eat healthier, or maybe we will resolve to exercise more, or we might even resolve to read our Bible every day and spend a little more time in prayer. But...maybe we made those same resolutions last year.  I admit that I fear that we are no better than those Israelites who resolved.... and resolved.... and chose... and chose to put away their idols and serve God only to turn back to their old selfish ways ( Proverbs 22:11, 2 Peter 2:22 – God puts it in a more graphic way).

BUT, the fact that we woke up again this morning, as we did yesterday, and the day before is not happenstance. The sun didn’t just come up on its own. We face another year of hope, and are filled with the possibilities that the “new” year brings ONLY by the grace of our Father, only because of His lovingkindness, and ONLY because of His mercy. It is ONLY because of the patience of our Father and our Savior that we continue to exist on this planet (Col 1:17).  It isn’t our doing.  But, today is a great time to reflect and consider what we will do with the time He has offered us today....and tomorrow...and the next...IF He does. Each day is a good day for a resolution as long as God’s patience and mercy endures.

Just remember-- God never broke His resolution (....”therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed. Is 50:7)  His resolve saved us. Aren't we glad that He never forgot? Aren't we glad that He never grew tired of the plan? Aren't we glad that He never failed to stay focused on His resolution?

Josiah offers a great example that it is never too late for a resolution:
And the king sent, and they gathered unto him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem. And the king went up into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with him, and the priests, and the prophets, and all the people, both small and great: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant which was found in the house of the LORD.   And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant. Josiah 23:1-3.

Now THAT sounds like the perfect resolution to me.

Is Milk and Honey Enough?

~Tracy Frederick

I cannot imagine the emotions the Israelites must have felt when Moses told them God had listened, God had remembered His promise and God was going to provide. Did they think God was cruel? Did they blame God for the life they were living as slaves? I mean, weren’t they God’s chosen people? Wasn’t God supposed to take care of them? But, had He forgotten them? I mean, they were slaves! Each day was another day of beatings, scrounging and begging for food, working in oppressive heat with little water. So, when Moses told them of God’s plan to save them, to lead them to “deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to being them up to that land unto a good and large land, unto a land flowing with milk and honey” (Ex 3:8). I can’t imagine the feeling, the gratefulness to their God. Exodus 4:31 says they believed that the Lord had heard their affliction and visited His people and they bowed their head and worshipped.

But, it wasn’t long, as you know, before they began to doubt….was it really as good as God promised? Is it really worth it? And, the idea of the land flowing with milk and honey faded. The weariness of the journey and the immediate desires of their lives distracted them from the promise. And, so, some never made it, after all of the walking in the desert, after all of the many days of marching and living in tents and struggling through the dessert, they just lost their belief in the promise. For many,  a large, bountiful land flowing with milk and honey just wasn’t enough….they just couldn’t wait that long…

Some people are too much like the Israelites wondering around on this earth, circle again and again, having lost their way, growing weary of the journey and forgetting the promise: “In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. (John 14:2-4). 
They walk is long, and the trials are tough and hot…and tiring…and difficult and just…well, HARD….but He promised…He never forgets ….for those who are His (Acts 2:38)...and  keep walking,…and hoping…. and believing (Rev 2:10) that the land of milk and honey IS enough…more than enough...

A Reminder...even in the Most Unlikely of Places

~Veronica Brown

Recently during an evening of family bible time we were discussing various ways one could increase in their desire for greater holiness. Many wonderful ideas were put forth, but one particular idea was discussed at length and then given as a challenge by the husband to each family member. It went something like this:

Day in and day out we see a million things with our physical eyes. Some things get casual glances while others demand long stares. What about using those everyday things and framing them with a spiritual or biblical application in order to help us be more spiritually minded? For example, we have an artificial tree adorned with white lights in our den. We see that tree everyday. But had anyone ever thought of coupling a spiritual connection with it? Not really. But once we stopped and thought about it it didn't take long to conceive of something biblical about it—the tree in the garden of Eden, the tree that held our Savior, the tree that awaits us in heaven. Easy. 

 So the leader of our home picked an object for each of us and challenged us to apply something biblical to said object. Guess what he picked for me? Our dog. What?! Those who know me know that while I do think Johnson is a good dog and that I even think he is pretty cute, sometimes I just kinda don't like him. He sheds....a lot. And, yes, sometimes he even gets sick, in our house, on the floor, and it's gross. Yeah. But the challenge was made. So to my trusty Bible app I went since nothing appropriate seemed to come to mind.

 There are several passages in Scripture that mention dogs. God told Elijah to tell King Ahab that dogs were going to not only lick up his blood but they were also going to eat the body of Queen Jezebel, along with whoever else belonged to King Ahab (I Kings 21). Dogs licked the sores of Lazarus in Luke 16. Dogs are even likened to the assembly of the wicked in the Messianic prophecies of Psalm 22. 

 But none of these sufficed until I scrolled across Proverbs 26:11, "As a dog returns to his own vomit, so a fool repeats his folly." Perfect! Especially since I've actually seen this happen. Yuck! So I shared this little gem with my family and very quickly our youngest asked, "But Mom, what's this verse mean for your life?" Good question son. I proceeded to explain that it means for me what it meant for Peter when he quoted it in II Peter 2:22. In regards to the false teachers who escaped the pollution of this world only to become entangled and overcome by it once again (verse 21), Peter says that it would have been better for them not to have ever known the way of righteousness because now they are like dogs returning to their vomit and like washed pigs wallowing once again in the mire.

 Therefore, "beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked" (I Peter 3:17). That's what it means for my life. If I allow myself to get led away by false doctrine and fall, I am like a dog who returns to its vomit. Yuck!

 So thank you Johnson. Though you oftentimes annoy me with your never ending supply of white dog hair and your occasional "gifts" left on our floor, you have helped impress a significant spiritual truth to our family: to return again to the pollution of this world is to be likened to your kind. And even though we think you're pretty cute and very smart, I prayerfully desire that no one in my family (physical and spiritual) will ever be like you, but that we would instead "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (I Peter 3:18). 

What It Really Means to Love Yourself

~Erin Blair

The Commandment:
In Matthew 22:36 the question is given to Christ: “Which is the greatest commandment in the law?” And, of course, as we all know, our Lord’s response was to “love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” And while there is a potential for several books to be written on the subject of the first and greatest commandment, we often spend less time considering the meaning of the second greatest. In Matthew 22:39 Christ gives us the second greatest of all the commandments “Love thy neighbor as thyself.”

Not many in our polite society will argue with the fact that we need to show love to our neighbors. We are oftentimes very adamantly supportive (especially financially) of those who are suffering in some way (much like the parable of the good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-35). Usually when preaching on being generous, kindhearted, compassionate and loving to our neighbors, there is not a shortage of Amen’s from the well intentioned individuals in the assembly. But, what is fascinating to me is how we have often overlooked the last phrase of that second commandment “as thyself”. And it seems to me that often times when we do note those last two words, it’s with the assumption that we all do fit that requirement of loving ourselves. Logic, in and of itself will tell us that in order to love our neighbor as we love ourselves, we must first love ourselves, for if we were to loathe ourselves and then treat our neighbors in the same manner, it would certainly not result in God’s delight. Sadly, because we live in a world full of self destruction through various practices and behaviors (both active and passive!), it is fitting and proper that we should learn what it truly means to love ourselves.

The Confusion:

Jesus said in John 13:35 that the world would recognize us by our true love for one another. The problem with so many in our modern day and age is that we are truly confused with what true love actually is. But why is there so much confusion? Are we as human beings becoming increasingly stupid? I think not. Perhaps for some the cause is true ignorance. They have not been properly taught (whether by example or by instruction) what true love is. We as Christians understand the concept of agape (or agapeo) love. We realize that to love someone means to do what is best for them. To give them what they really need and not just what they want. We understand this because we’ve seen this love exemplified to perfection through Christ (John 15:13). People are not ignorant of this love because its meaning cannot be seen, or because the correct answers are nowhere to be found. The reason why people are ignorant over true love’s meaning is the same reason why people are ignorant of any and all commands the Lord has given. Folks are too busy listening to the voices of their own desires rather than the voice of God. It is the age old problem of destruction via distraction. It is the age old problem of listening to the words emanating from our culture and from Satan “What you want is more important than what you need.” The message we hear from the world is that “love” is related to desire. In the world’s perspective, “love” is almost always linked to emotions, primarily what gives one the emotion of pleasure or “happiness”. This is one reason why so many in failing marriages believe that they are no longer “in love” because the element of infatuation and “happiness” has been absent for some time.  This is not to say that the Christian who seeks a Godly “love” is not a happy individual, but rather that they are not driven by something as fleeting as emotion, but instead by something much more substantial; the fulfillment of genuine needs. The difference between the two definitions can be easily seen in the way someone behaves during a relationship. The parent, spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend who defines love from a distorted and worldly view will give their loved one what they want because it will please them and make them “happy”. The one who uses God to measure what love is will give their loved one what they need because it is best for them, and because it will result in their loved one’s fulfillment. We do need to note, however, that in some happy and blessed instances, what someone needs happens to be exactly what they want. The problem arises when the two differ, and a choice between the two must be made. And sadly, it’s far easier to determine what someone wants rather than what they need.

The world says that to indulge your own desires is to love yourself. God says to love yourself, you must give yourself what you truly need, even if what you need is the very absence of what you want (Matt. 16:24-26).

Erin resides in Ben Wheeler Tx with her husband who preaches for the Ben Wheeler congregation. Erin has been involved with preparing and organizing the work of the church since she was a teenager by teaching all ages of Bibles classes, helping prepare and organize Ladies Days, Prom Alternatives, Youth Rallies and VBS.  She is currently works as a paralegal for a law firm. She and her husband also spend their time enjoying their sweet dog, chickens, ducks, quail…etc.  Life is never dull at her house.

 

Who's On First?

She was his wife, his “soul mate”…literally. She thought she was doing what was right. It looked good. It sounded like a great opportunity and so why wouldn’t she share it with her husband? I mean, after all, she was trying to do what was best for them, trying to be a good helpmeet. When she gave it to him, she told him the story of how she got it and what the salesman told her about the great benefits of the product. It would make their lives better, it would make them closer to God. What could be better than that?  And so the story goes on to describe the first sin that lead to the need for our Father to offer His only son for all of humankind:

“And unto Adam He said, because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;  Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;  In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” Genesis 3:17-19

Did you catch the first mistake Adam made? The VERY FIRST mistake Adam made, not the second.....not what other say is first, but the FIRST? Nope, it isn't the eating of the fruit look again.... the FIRST mistake...did you see the very FIRST problem that God admonishes Adam for? Yes, you see it, right? Listening….listening to someone else FIRST. But, she was his wife, his soul mate, made by God for him.  He even reminded God that she was made to be his helper, shouldn’t he listen to her advice?

 I have been thinking of this a lot lately. The detail of Adam listening to Eve is not the issue here. The fact that she was a female is NOT the issue here. The FIRST problem is that Adam listened to someone else FIRST…ANYONE else FIRST…friend, mother…brother…sister….author of some popular "Christian" book….you name it….anyone else...anything else that is not God.

The most heartbreaking part of this is that because Adam listened to someone else FIRST, God had to give FIRST...He had to give of Himself, lower a part of Himself to be rejected, tortured, and eventually die a painful death beyond my imagination because Adam did not listen to God FIRST.
It has been on my mind lately...a lot...who's on FIRST in my life? And who's on FIRST in yours?

~Tracy Frederick

Spring Cleaning

A Good DEEP Cleaning:

It is SPRING and it FINALLY feels like it. The weather people predict sunshine and beautiful weather. It is time to open the doors and windows, blow out the winter cobwebs and let the sun shine in. Usually our energy is high and it is time to spring clean! That means, toss out the old and warn out, and sparkle the house up for those great cookouts and fun times that spring and summer bring. I am itching to get to this. I have a “flower bed” in the front of my house that looks pathetic and is overgrown with weeds, and a twin mattress laying against the wall in my dining room because I just can’t figure out where to put it. But, the strange thing is, the longer the flower bed sits there looking icky and the twin bed leans against the wall, the less I notice it. Isn’t that weird? It becomes a part of the landscape and bothers me less and less- kinda like the mess on the kitchen desk; I just don’t see it.  When we live with the mess it becomes the normal; we just don’t recognize it. I often think about the Old Covenant laws in which there were SOOO many ways for the Israelites to become “unclean.” They had to constantly consider what they touched, what they ate, where they sat…there was a constant issue with remaining clean. I realize the laws were to protect their physical health as well as their spiritual. But, why did we stop with that? I get it that it was the Old Law and we are no compelled to keep it (2 Cor 5:17) but, maybe it wasn’t such a bad idea sometimes. I mean, aren’t we sometimes living in a mess and have just become so used to it that we don’t even see it- what we touch, what we see, what we wear, where we sit….you get it.  It is spring….time to do some cleaning up, sisters; some good deep- soul cleaning. "Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." 2 Cor 7:1. God asks us to do some cleaning of the spiritual kind:  "cleans ourselves from....and perfect holiness....in fear."  “There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” I Pet 3:21.
~Tracy Frederick

The Walk Of Life

~Nancy Goring

   While walking the track at the community center today, I started noticing the various "walkers/runners." They were all different in age, gender, weight and health. One couple, in particular really impressed me. They were a couple about 80 years old and moving very slowly. The lady had looped her arm through her husbands to help support him, as he was having difficulty even ta...king small steps. It was so sweet to see how she supported him so carefully, never trying to make him move faster, always being patient with him.

     I also saw young people running as fast as they could, others jogging at a regular pace and some fast walkers at various speeds. Like most tracks, there are 3 lanes; the inside is for slower folks, the middle for fast, and the outside lane for runners. I couldn't help but think how much our Christian lives paralleled the scenes unfolding before me. 

     There were little ones who ran fast, then walked, then skipped around, not really sure what they should be doing, but having fun anyway. They weren't aware of the "rules" yet, but they watched and picked up very quickly. I thought about those who began their Christians walk - eager, excited, unsure, happy, learning to follow the lead of those who were older and more experienced. Then there were the ones who had been doing this for many years. They were steady, consistent, always watching before they changed lanes so they wouldn't interfere with other walkers - courteous, well-balanced, well-paced, experienced. Most of the older people were in the slower lane, some doing better than others because they were just trying to stay healthy by walking consistently.
Then there were the ones who walked 3 abreast, talking, having fun, paying no attention whether someone was approaching from behind that might run into them or that they may cause to get off course or lose balance. Their strides were slow then fast - they wandered all over the track, oblivious to their surroundings. On a rare occasion there would be one who was irritated with the talkers and would be rude to them, almost pushing them out of the way because they were a nuisance to their workout. There is no need for me to make a spiritual comparison here - I will let you do that.

     The walk at the track is so much like our walk in life as a Christian. I was so impressed with the older folks who kept on keeping on, though it was at a much slower pace. That encouraged me to keep exercising even when I feel tired, ache, and want to stop, even for just a little bit.
My doctor told me I needed to walk for my health, so I set goals, at his instruction, to keep me on task. Our heavenly Father has also told us what we need to do to stay spiritually strong. He also provided the goal! Are we following His instructions? Are we studying daily for our spiritual strength? Are we serving as we should? Are we assisting others on the pathway if they need us to loop our arm through theirs to help them/support them when they are weak? Are we being a consistent example of Christ-like behavior in our daily walk? Hopefully we are not wandering around, oblivious to all that is about us that might harm us spiritually, or perhaps another!
We have a goal that was given to us. It is heaven. The apostle Paul said, "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus," (Philippians 3:14). Let us "run with patience, that race that is set before us," as the Hebrew writer said in Hebrews 12:1. Let's all strive for strength, patience, consistency, and balance as we walk His walk, always keeping the end goal in sight.

 

Nancy is the wife of Bill Goring, who serves as a gospel preacher and elder for the Chipman Road church of Christ in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. She has 4 children, 11 grandchildren and has taught Bible class for over 40 years, speaks at Ladies Day gatherings and has published several books including: Behavior Becoming Holiness: Studies in Titus Chapter 2 and Overcoming our Self-Imposed Prisons.

 

Sweating the Small Stuff

I remember those times in my life when I was overwhelmed. I just couldn’t figure out how to get through, take the next step, or get everything done that needed “doing.” Honestly, you know it happens almost daily. There is so much to consider and so many things tugging at us that it is easy to get lost in the stress. When that happens, every once in a while a little popular phrase pops in my head.  It was a popular saying in the late 90’s with the book by the same name: Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff….And it is All Small Stuff.” This book stayed on the New York Times Best Seller list for two years. So, no doubt you’ve heard it, maybe even said it to ease a stressed friend, or yourself. But I must admit that I’ve always thought it an odd saying. Even through all of my stress and through the feelings of anxiety, it just doesn’t make sense to me, because I believe it is the small stuff that really counts. But more importantly, I believe it is all of the “stuff,” big and small that is important to our Father.

Consider just the general instructions about the attention to detail (or small stuff) our Father instructed in the building of the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25: 11-15:
 “And they shall make an ark of acacia wood; two and a half cubits shall be its length, a cubit and a half its width, and a cubit and a half its height.  And you shall overlay it with pure gold, inside and out you shall overlay it, and shall make on it a molding of gold all around. ¹² You shall cast four rings of gold for it, and put them in its four corners; two rings shall be on one side, and two rings on the other side.  And you shall make poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold. ¹⁴ You shall put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, that the ark may be carried by them. ¹⁵ The poles shall be in the rings of the ark; they shall not be taken from it. ¹⁶ And you shall put into the ark the Testimony which I will give you.”

And the details didn’t stop there. That isn’t all of the detailed instructions our Lord gave the builders. Consider the details of the temple Solomon built in I Kings 6. The attention to the “small stuff” is huge. I have heard some say how they  “skip” over Leviticus, or other similar Old Testament books because they are full of “boring details.” It may sound strange, but those "detail" books have become some of my favorites. They give me insight into the mind of my Father.

That is why I’m always taken aback when people argue that "details" in worship  (Lev 10), salvation (Acts 22:16) , daily living (Rom 1)  "don’t matter" to God. Really? Our Father is all about the details. It doesn’t take much to see our God in the “small stuff:” consider lady bugs, the fact that each snowflake is different, thousands of species of wildflowers blooming in the spring and summer, and even a trip to the grocery store is evidence of the “small stuff” that our Father attended to in the creation of the world.

I understand that popular saying about not sweating the small stuff is supposed to ease our minds, maybe even help us focus a bit on what is most important, but I you probably can admit that the sprinkles on top of the cupcake are what makes it special, the little blades of grass painstakingly added to the sweet birthday card my daughter made me is what tugs at my heartstrings. It is these little “small stuff” things that make moments, gifts, and well….life special. It is the small stuff that shows we really care.

 I believe God is in the small stuff, and His attention to detail is overwhelming. So, I’m not sure where we decided that the details or the small stuff is unimportant. God didn’t ,and I can’t imagine this world without the “small stuff” can you? 
~Tracy Frederick

All Things

~Tracy Frederick

It is probably the most well-known scripture, along with John 3:16. We see it on the backs of football uniforms, posted on Facebook, splattered on bumper stickers and even etched into under eye make-up, or shoe polish…or whatever that stuff is that football players put under their eyes. I have even heard it used in conjunction with losing weight. I imagine that if we asked people, even atheists to tell us a scripture they know, this would be in the top five or three. It is popular, but the way I see it used I wonder if the person understands the struggle and personal sacrifice this verse speaks of to gain the strength needed to endure “all things.” So, …quote it with me…you know it: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It is that “all things” part that is the sticky one. All things, huh? Well, we’ll see….

It is in this first chapter that sets the tone and the purpose for that popular one verse everyone is wearing:

v. 27-30: “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.  For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.”

Philippians, especially as of late, has become my go-to book. It instructs me to love no matter what; to endure no matter what; and to not let my own petty problems make me forget that my Savior gave up “all things” in heaven for us (Phil 2:7-8: “made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross”).  Philippians is a hard book, it is about standing strong in the midst of suffering and hardships for Christ- those “things.” Paul promises that true believers (obedient in all things- Acts 2:38, Rom 6:4, I Pet. 3:21, Col 2:12, Rom 4:20, Rev 2:10), in Philippi (or anywhere/anytime) will never have a ticker tape parade for the cause of Christ, will never be given accolades on the football field for the goals of the gospel, and household chores, sparkling white whites are of no concern in bringing glory to God. That’s not “all things.” Christ revealed to Paul “all things” that he would suffer (see Acts 9).

So, once again the question is a tough one:  what “things” do we “do” that need “strengthening” (or “enable/make strong”)? Football/sports “things?” Tough laundry stain “things?” Sounds ludicrous when we put it that way, doesn’t it? So…what is it? What I love about the Bible is the way it answers questions about itself. Did you notice the opening of the book, in the first chapter? “let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ…steadfast in the spirit…striving for the faith of the gospel….not terrified by your adversaries…suffer for His sake….” Yeah, “allll of those “things.” That is what Christ will strengthen us for, “all of the things” that are worthy of suffering.” After all, if we aren’t suffering for the sake of our Lord, how can I call myself worthy of “all of the things” He sacrificed and suffered for me? I admit that I hope we need strengthening in “all things”…don’t you? It means we are suffering to be worthy in “all things.”

An Opportunity

Tracy Frederick

Some days can just be a little harder than others, can’t they? Some days it just takes more effort that others doesn’t it? Some days it feels as if it just doesn’t matter, doesn’t it? Perhaps it is because we are physically weary from the day to day grind of this world, or perhaps it is because the burdens seem just a little heavier at times and our spiritual examples are…well…turn out to be not so spiritual after all? There are a host of reasons why some days it is tempting to just sit and hide from the world; to hunker down and neglect the work that has been set before us.  Then that little verse nags, it itches doesn’t it? And won’t let go, no matter how hard we try to distract ourselves or ignore it. It is there….you know the one I mean: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith”( Gal 6:9-10). The out is “opportunity” right? There are so many excuses for not having opportunity, right? But…..I bet Christ had other things He could have been doing rather than die for me.  I mean, He was busy…: ^“…7but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man,he humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross” (Phil 2:6-8). I bet He was pretty weary after being beaten all night, “A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross” (Mk 15:21) …..I know that Christ was lonely: “He took Peter and Zebedee's two sons with him. Jesus began to be sad and troubled. He said to them, `My heart is very sad. I am almost dying! Stay here and watch with me.'”( Matt 26:37-38). “Then all the disciples left Jesus and ran away” (Mat 26:54b). I am confident that it was difficult for our Creator (Col 1:16) to take that opportunity: “Jesus went on a little further. He bowed down with his face to the ground. He talked to God and said, `My Father, if it can be, let this cup of trouble pass by me. But do not do what I want. May what you want be done.'” (Matt 26: 39).  What if He had was too weary? What if He was too discouraged? What if He had not taken the opportunity?

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” ! Corinthians 15:58

Happy are those that are Poor

~Tracy Frederick 

“Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of God.”  Matthew 5:3.

Sometimes it is easy to pass over parts of the Lord’s word when it seems difficult or confusing. Some of the most beautiful passages of scripture can tempt us to do so and in doing that, we lose the great depth that they offer. Consider: “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of God.”  Matthew 5:3. We have all, no doubt, heard many a sermon on the “beatitudes.” But I admit that their great depth has alluded me until recently when in my studies on humbleness I decided to get my spiritual shovel out and dissect this idea. Our Savior begins His pronouncement of “blessings” with those who are poor in spirit. Now, I’ve always argued that each word in the text is there for a reason and the order is divinely inspired as well. There are no “happenstances” or “accidents” in the Bible. It is all intentional. So, when we look at these few short words that our Savior began His famous sermon with seem pretty important to me. So, I dug in.
Blessed= fortunate, well off: - blessed, happy.  This seems ok, until one considers the state of the happiness is tied to something that seems the opposite: “poor in spirit.” Just the thought of being poor in spirit seems ad odds with the idea of being happy and blessed right? Nope, not really when you consider the REAL  meaning, then all is clear: The word for ‘poor’ in Greek is ‘Ptochos’ which literally means having nothing, reduced to begging, like a beggar, totally broke. We usually think of being broke as a bad thing, right? Wrong again. Consider the person that is totally spiritually broke. Here are some examples from great men of God:

Isaiah 66:1-2: “Thus says the LORD, “Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool. Where then is a house you could build for Me? And where is a place that I may rest? “For My hand made all these things, Thus all these things came into being,” declares the LORD. “But to this one I will look, To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.”

Isaiah 57:15: “For thus says the high and exalted One Who lives forever, whose name is Holy, “I dwell on a high and holy place, And also with the contrite and lowly of spirit In order to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.”

Ps 51:17: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.”

So when we consider that an individual who has given up her will to the Father and realizes she is nothing without Him, it is at that place that she is happy and blessed because she finds comfort in nothing else but the word of the Lord. It is at that point that all fear and doubt and pain fall away…her spirit is renewed and refreshed as she fills herself with the hope of her eternal home.

Blessed? Happy? I’d say so…but only through her bankruptcy….in the realization that she is poor…without anything without her Master.

Humbling...

~Tracy Frederick


I have always been struck by the consistent admonition in the Lord's word to humble ourselves...to our Father, our Savior, ...and others. This little word has so much more meaning that what we often think of in our modern conversation. It means to "bring low," "to bring down" "to humiliate." All of these words are actions, conscious actions or choices. No one can do it for us. Oh sure, someone can humiliate, or someone can insult so we feel less than or low, but this word- what we must do involves a self infliction. We must be willing to do it to ourselves. Notice the words of God tell us that: "And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." Matthew 23:12. Did you catch it? "he that shall humble himself." It seems to me that it is only at that lowly place can we be uplifted by our Creator. Yeah, it is impossible to be full of a God-like spriit when we are already full of self...time to make some room.